BOW Wintersession 2015

Program Overview  Part of the Babson/Olin/Wellesley (BOW) initiative  Interdisciplinary students work with local non-profit

 Babson : Manusha Chereddy  Emily Jones  John Quinn  Alyssa Reisner  Olin : Ariana Chae  Michael Costello  Wellesley : Elena Shaw  Michelle Chung  Kristen Jorgenson  Xiao Lin Lei  Reba Meserve Participants

Project Start Next Steps Startup Plan Pitch

Investor Pitch

Learning Without Limits Acera High School

The Acera School Today ● Serves nearly 100 K-8 students in its Winchester, MA location. ● High-ability and accelerated learning students who may struggle in traditional settings. ● Fosters independent learning necessary for innovators, creators, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Unique academic philosophies opportunities for personal growth strong community culture

We believe… Students should follow their own interests and passions to foster their sense of curiosity 21 st century education will require STEM knowledge, a sense of creativity, and strong emotional resilience The world needs young people who know how to solve problems

Comparing Education Acera Model Project-Driven Flexible, based on student ability Collaborativ e Traditional Model Score- Driven Standardize d Competitive

Project-Based Models Learning is a constructive process Social interaction is fundamental for growth Motivation and beliefs are integral to learning Knowledge, strategies, and expertise are contextual Bruning et. al.,(2004). Cognitive Psychology and Instruction Nueva School, CA Focus on “Do-Learn” and social-emotional learning for gifted students Fosters the “whole child.” Model since 1967 British Math Study (1997) Used open-ended projects Students achieved top scores in national math exams School District of Union City, NJ Challenging urban environment Increased test scores, decreased absenteeism College Programs, including Olin College Emphasize collaboration, team-building Excellent career placement, fosters entrepreneurship Somerville STEAM Academy (2015 Launch) Small-school environment for struggling students Connections to high school, internships

LearnGrow Building Acera High School Rapid Growth from both Acera’s K-8 program and from new students Financial Aid possible within three years, according to financial models. Surveys to track progress and learning for parents teachers, and students Portfolios as college application supplements. Welcome Assess

Investment Overview $5-10 million initial investment 2017 opening year 10:1 Student- Teacher Ratio 400 maximum students

A School Without Walls Extending Student Opportunity Online Learning Mentorships with Local Companies College- Level Classes Teacher Training Program

Projects and Portfolios Summer Programs and partnerships Computer Science Foundation Creative Math and Science Arts & Humanities Leadership & Emotional Development Classes for all stages of learning Core Capacities

Financial Overview

Suggestions and Findings

Strategic Plan Program Personnel Finance Community Student Body

Assessment Methods  Inspiration Methods:  Olin Model  Student Engagement Survey  Self-Reporting  Our Assessment Method: Behavioral Changes and Client Satisfaction

Other Suggestions  Offering Career Exploration  Diverse Subject Offering  Transition to Alternative Education  College Readiness

Other Suggestions  Marketing and Branding  Conducting Research  Organic Growth Model

Future BOW Partnership with Acera  Have clear goals for what a partnership should look like  Pitch several alternatives to begin discussion  Identify the correct faculty and students at each school  Pilot a small scale collaboration to prove mutual benefit  Consider other partnership  Other colleges and universities with high school programs  Alternative learning spaces

Thank you! Let’s Discuss